Studies of Mineral Cycling in a Montane Rain Forest in New Guinea: II. The Production and Disappearance of Litter

摘要: (1) Litter production and the quantity of litter remaining on ground were monitored for a 12-month period in undisturbed Lower Montane Rain forest at an altitude c. 2400-2500 m Eastern Highlands New Guinea. Four sites, each 20 x 10 m, studied contrasting situations; one site (on ridge) was natural gap caused by fall large tree, other three sites broad ridge, steep slope valley bottom) well-developed, mature or late-building phase trees. (2) At measured sixteen traps 1 m. The average four 755 ? 27 (s.e.m.) g m-2 yr1 (non-woody material 635 yr1), no significant differences found between sites. (3) It is estimated that about 1000 leaf dry weight grazed phytophagous insects, further 100% withdrawn trees before leaves are shed. Density measurements made healthy twigs, twigs fall, suggest considerable decomposition occurs as litter. (4) Estimates annual rate parameter disappearance, based relationship standing crop production, range 1-04 Ridge Site 1-55 Valley Site. (5) six tree species (Dacrycarpus cinctus, Elaeocarpus ptilanthus, Litsea sp. 65, Macaranga albescens, Planchonella firma Schizomeria 203) widespread bamboo (Nastus productus) over 325 days Sites enclosing plastic mesh. There two (6) Only 1500 original Elaeocarpusptilanthus remained after days. Leaves disappeared more slowly (57-74% remained). Of 56%/ remained. (7) disappearance seven species, equivalent to 47-48% first year, much less than calculated from (100148%0 non-woody litter); this evidence suggests time-course linear rather exponential.